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Celebrate 4/20 with the state's first Texas-owned medical marijuana dispensary

4/20 Vibes

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

There’s a budding medical marijuana industry in the Lone Star State, and Texas Original — the first Texas-owned medical marijuana dispensary in the state — has witnessed the power of this medicine firsthand.

Since opening its doors in 2018, Texas Original has seen the life-changing results that cannabis medicine has had on patients across the state. Medical marijuana has allowed patients to achieve a life without seizures, enabled patients to walk again, and has even helped many patients discontinue heavy doses of pharmaceuticals and opioid medications.

In 2021, the Texas Compassionate Use Program expanded once again, allowing for more Texans than ever to access medical marijuana to alleviate their symptoms.

In celebration of 4/20, here’s what you need to know about medical marijuana in Texas and how to get a prescription.

Medical marijuana is legal in Texas
Over 100 conditions are currently eligible to receive medical marijuana under the Compassionate Use Program in Texas. Thousands of Texans are now finding relief with medical marijuana for symptoms such as:

  • Pain
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Aggression
  • Night terrors
  • Seizures

In 2023, Texas will enter the 88th legislative session and Texas Original is advocating for increased accessibility for Texans. Texas Original is proud to have their roots in the Lone Star State and has made it their mission to transform Texas through the power and truth of medical cannabis.

How to get a medical marijuana prescription
Receiving a medical marijuana prescription in Texas is easier than you think. Celebrate 4/20 by beginning your journey to relief with these three simple steps:

  • First, fill out the Get a Prescription form on the Texas Original website. Texas Original will send you a text and email confirming your submission.
  • You will then be contacted within 24 hours by a partnering cannabis clinic. Each cannabis clinic offers telemedicine visits so that you can meet with a physician from the comfort of your home, no matter where you live in Texas. During your visit, the physician will go over what symptoms you are experiencing and discuss treatment options.
  • Once you receive your medical marijuana prescription, you’re ready to place an order for pick up or delivery. Simply call the Texas Original dispensary, start a chat on their website, or sign up on the Patient Portal. Texas Original offers several prescription pick-up locations throughout Texas and statewide delivery so Texans in all four corners of the state can access relief.

The knowledgeable team at Texas Original is equipped to help you along the way and answer any questions you may have. Visit the website at texasoriginal.com for more information.

Texas Original offers a variety of products and doses for patients, including a 20 mg THC-only gummy with fast-acting nanoemulsion technology to give patients quicker onset times.

Medical marijuana products
Photo courtesy of Texas Original
Texas Original offers a variety of products and doses for patients, including a 20 mg THC-only gummy with fast-acting nanoemulsion technology to give patients quicker onset times.
Photo courtesy of TOCC

Texas is expanding access to medical marijuana. Do you qualify?

Check It Out

On September 1, 2021, patients suffering from any stage of cancer and battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will be able to access physician-prescribed medical cannabis in Texas.

What’s happening?
The much-anticipated House Bill 1535 is going into effect on that date, expanding access to medical cannabis to even more patients under the Compassionate Use Program (CUP). Likewise, the bill will increase the THC limit in medical cannabis products from 0.5 percent to 1 percent by weight.

Cancer and PTSD join other conditions eligible for medical cannabis including peripheral neuropathy, epilepsy, seizure disorders, autism, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as other neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and more.

How did we achieve expansion?
Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation (TOCC), the leading medical cannabis provider in Texas, advocated for House Bill 1535 alongside its author, House Public Health Committee Chairwoman Stephanie Klick. Patients, caregivers and advocates from across Texas contributed their efforts to ensure the bill would become a reality.

What’s next?
TOCC is introducing the first fast-acting gummies in the state of Texas on September 1, and has a full line of products available to existing and new patients.

Additionally, TOCC has made the process of obtaining a medical cannabis prescription easy, with free online consultations, fast statewide delivery, prescription pick-up locations throughout Texas, and convenient online refills.

Millions of Texans are currently eligible to benefit from medical cannabis. Schedule a free consultation to find out if you or a loved one qualify for a prescription.

Photo courtesy of Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation

3 things you need to know about medical marijuana in Texas

Get the Facts

That’s right, medical marijuana is legal in Texas. Although the state’s program pales in comparison to the full medical programs of its neighbors, qualified Texans can access low-THC medical marijuana if they have a qualifying condition.

Here’s what you need to know about what is legal, who qualifies, and how to get a prescription for medical marijuana in Texas.

What is legal in Texas?
While recreational marijuana is still illegal in the state, medical marijuana with up to 0.5 percent THC by weight is legal for Texans who qualify under the Compassionate Use Program. This year, the program could see some expansions as Texas lawmakers meet for the 2021 legislative session.

Legislation such as Texas House Bill 1535, if passed, could allow more Texans to find relief with medical marijuana and increase the allowable percentage of THC to 5 percent by weight.

Who qualifies for medical marijuana in Texas?
The Compassionate Use Program allows Texans who have qualifying conditions to access medical marijuana. Approved conditions include:

How do I become a patient?
Texans who qualify for medical marijuana can get a prescription in just a few simple steps. To be eligible, you must:

  • be a Texas resident
  • have a qualifying condition
  • receive a prescription from a doctor who is registered to prescribe medical marijuana in the state

Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation, the leading medical marijuana company in Texas, makes the process easy for new patients.

Just fill out the form to find a doctor who can prescribe in your area. The TOCC team will send you an email with local and telemedicine options. Please be sure to check your spam or promotions folder.

After your appointment, contact TOCC’s friendly dispensary team and they will schedule you for a pick-up at one of their four locations across Texas, or arrange a delivery right to your home. Plus, take advantage of their first-time patient discount and get 20 percent off your first order and buy one, get one 50 percent off your second order.

No matter what you choose, you can rest easy knowing that their medicine is made by Texans, for Texans, with a commitment to quality, consistency, and purity.

Photo courtesy of Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation

How Texans with MS can find natural relief with medical marijuana

TOCC FTW

More Texans are turning to medical marijuana to treat their multiple sclerosis symptoms, and here's why. In 2019, the Texas legislature expanded the Compassionate Use Program, approving more conditions — like multiple sclerosis — for medical marijuana in the Lone Star State.

Since then, success stories from MS patients and their doctors have emerged across the state as more Texans try medical marijuana to treat their symptoms.

Tracy was one of these stories. After several unsuccessful treatments, her doctor told her she was a "no option" patient. Her pain and inflammation limited her daily activities and she still hadn't found a solution to effectively relieve her symptoms.

When she discovered Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation, the only Texas-owned and -operated medical marijuana company in the state, she finally regained her quality of life.

"It's a big deal just to be able to go outside and do some yard work," says Tracy. "It's the things you take for granted. This medical cannabis brought back my hope and quality of life."

The research behind medical marijuana for MS
In addition to these success stories, recent studies have shown medical marijuana as an effective treatment for many MS symptoms. Both THC and CBD, the active chemicals in medical marijuana, may help relieve common symptoms such as pain, stiffness, mobility problems, spasticity, depression, and anxiety.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 160 patients found that medical marijuana improved several MS symptoms with no significant adverse effects on cognition or mood. Another study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that medical cannabis helped ease muscle stiffness caused by MS.

With more research supporting its benefits, there is increasing acceptance of medical marijuana in the MS community in Texas and across the U.S. Texans who are interested in trying medical marijuana for their symptoms can get a prescription in a few simple steps.

Getting a medical marijuana prescription for MS
Do you or a loved one have MS? Getting a medical marijuana prescription isn't as difficult as you might think. Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation can help you find a doctor who is registered to prescribe medical marijuana.

To start, simply fill out their Find a Doctor form. Within 24 hours, you will receive a list of doctors in your area. After your appointment, call 512-614-0343 to fill your prescription. You can pick up your prescription from one of TOCC's four locations throughout Texas or get it delivered right to your home.

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Need more info? Visit the Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation website to learn more about TCUP, the benefits of medical marijuana, and which conditions might qualify for treatment.

Thanks to the Compassionate Use Program, Texans with MS can find relief.

Marijuana plant inside Texas state outline
Photo courtesy of Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation
Thanks to the Compassionate Use Program, Texans with MS can find relief.
Photo courtesy of Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation

3 simple steps to obtaining a medical marijuana prescription in Texas

Finding Relief

It's been a few months since Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation, the state's first legal medical marijuana producer and dispensary, expanded with more Texas pick-up locations, including Plano, San Antonio, and Houston in addition to its Austin flagship.

But many still may be unsure of what the company provides or how to start the process to get medical cannabis in Texas. Turns out, all it takes to find relief for more than 146 conditions is filling out a simple form.

Their team will then work with your current physician or match you with a doctor registered to prescribe medical marijuana under the Texas Compassionate Use Program. They can refer you to doctors that offer either in-person and virtual appointments.

Follow this step-by-step guide to learn more about this powerful treatment option that could help treat a variety of symptoms frequently associated with autism, ALS, terminal cancer, MS, and more.

Step 1: Fill out the form
You don't need to come to TOCC with your own prescription — let them help you find the right doctor by connecting you with their network of physicians, all of whom are registered to prescribe medical cannabis and are overseen by a medical advisory board. If you have a current physician that's interested in prescribing, they can help walk them through the simple process of getting registered.

Provide some quick details using this form, and one of TOCC's patient representatives will contact you within 24 hours to help.

Step 2: Set an appointment
Telemedicine is likely the easiest option during the pandemic, but certain conditions might require an in-office visit. Many of the prescribers in the network can see you quickly and help get you on the road to relief.

Step 3: Follow up
Once your new physician has electronically submitted your prescription, call the dispensary at 512-614-0343 to choose your preferred flavor and confirm your pick-up or delivery. The medicines are available in easy-to-consume tinctures, lozenges, and sprays. You can pick up your prescription from one of TOCC's four locations throughout Texas or have it delivered to your home.

Medical cannabis has provided relief for thousands of people in Texas — both adults and children — and you can learn more about their stories on TOCC's website.

From a mother who finally found a way to manage her multiple sclerosis to a child who gained control over his seizures after all other medications had failed, these stories speak for themselves.

If you or a loved one are suffering and believe you could benefit from cannabis medicine, review the list of qualifying conditions and let TOCC help you find relief.

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Need more info? Visit the Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation website to learn more about TCUP, the benefits of medical marijuana, and which conditions might qualify for treatment.

It's simple to get the medical marijuana prescription you need.

Marijuana plant
Photo courtesy of Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation
It's simple to get the medical marijuana prescription you need.
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Property Showcase

Famous furniture store Louis Shanks shutters last remaining San Antonio location

closing up shop

After nearly 80 years in business, family-owned Texas furniture store Louis Shanks is closing down its business.

As reported by Furniture Today, Louis Shanks will host a liquidation sale beginning Thursday, September 21, at the last remaining store in San Antonio, at 11035 IH-10 West, and its flagship store in Austin.

The furniture retailer first opened in 1945, led by its namesake Louis Shanks and John Stanford, Furniture Today said. The business had been operated by the Shanks family for four generations, with the San Antonio store opening in 1983. The company previously had a second Austin store, and more locations Houston and Sugar Land, which have all since been closed.

"An independent, regional retailer became nationally recognized by the industry and its customers for its fine furniture selection and impeccably vignetted showrooms," the industry website said.

Furniture Today reported that Planned Furniture Promotions will be spearheading the liquidation sale for Louis Shanks. Senior vice president Tom Liddell said in a statement that his company is "honored to be a part of [the] historic moment" with the long-established furniture retailer.

"This is a celebration of their decades of excellence and an extraordinary opportunity for consumers in the Austin and San Antonio areas to experience the legacy of Louis Shanks Furniture one last time," Liddell said. "This marks the end of an era, and we at PFP are thrilled they have entrusted us with this pivotal project."

A combined 200,000 square feet of merchandise will be liquidated, according to the report.

Horror film It Lives Inside sets itself apart with unique cultural details

Movie Review

Like most genres in film history, horror movies have tended to be relatively homogeneous, focusing mostly on white characters and, if it delved into religion, Christianity. As movies in general have become more diverse, so has the storytelling, something which benefits a film like It Lives Inside.

Megan Suri in It Lives Inside

Photo courtesy of Neon

Megan Suri in It Lives Inside.

The story centers on Indian-American teenager Samidha (Megan Suri), who’s suffering to a degree with her cultural identity, indicated by the opening scene depicting her shaving the dark hair off her arms. Her self-esteem isn’t helped by her childhood best friend, Tamira (Mohana Krishnan), having turned herself into an outcast, eating lunch under bleachers and carrying a weird jar around everywhere.

Tamira claims that something lives inside the jar that has to be constantly fed, and a confrontation between the two unleashes the monster on Tamira and starts a series of scary dreams for Samidha. As the monster slowly insinuates itself into Samidha’s increasingly isolated life, she must turn to the one person with whom she’s having the most difficulty, her mother, Poorna (Neeru Bajwa).

The feature film debut for writer/director Bishal Dutta and co-writer Ashish Mehta, It Lives Inside has the familiarity of other previous mysterious force/monster movies, but sets itself apart by incorporating Indian and Hindu traditions. When Samidha confronts Tamira, she discovers a book filled with all manner of strange drawings and writing, but instead of being merely the scrawls of a possessed person, much of it is a reference to Hindu mythology.

For much of the film, Samidha shuns the traditions that her family, especially her mother, tries to keep alive. So it’s no small irony that it’s those same rituals and knowledge that may serve as the key to understanding and defeating the monster. It feels like the filmmakers are trying to tell a story about the costs of assimilation into a new country/culture as much as they’re to scare audiences.

Compared to other horror films, they do a pretty good job with the atmosphere and special effects. The monster is kept hidden in the shadows for most of the film, so there’s a solid creepy factor that keeps the tension level high. In fact, they might have done well not showing it at all; it’s only when it’s revealed that the spell is broken to a degree.

Suri is at the start of what’s shaping up to be a solid career, having co-starred in the recent Missing and on Netflix’s Never Have I Ever. She makes for a great lead character and horror protagonist. She’s aided by good supporting turns from Krishnan, Bajwa, and Betty Gabriel, who plays her teacher.

It Lives Inside more than holds its own in the scare department and ups the ante with its unique details. In a year that’s featured its fair share of intense movies, it brings a different perspective alongside its horrors.

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It Lives Inside opens in theaters on September 22.

Sudden shutters, buzzy burgers, and jam-packed events crowd San Antonio food news

NEWS YOU CAN EAT

Editor's note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of San Antonio's restaurant and bar scene. We have you covered with our weekly roundup of essential food news.

Openings and closings

A downtown pub won't be around to celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2024. Via a September 17 Instagram post, Maddy McMurphy's Irish Sports Bar announced its immediate closure after a five-year run. The watering hole teased the news a few days prior, promoting a "Last Hurrah" party on September 15. Neither bulletin offered any explanation for the move. Sibling concepts in owner Terry Corless' portfolio, including Mad Dogs British Pub and Prost Haus, will continue to operate.

Local fast-casual joint Biff Buzby's Burgers observed National Cheeseburger Day by announcing a second location. The outpost will be located at the former site of the short-lived Windmill Ice House on 2769 Nacogdoches Rd., confirming the latter's July temporary closure was permanent. Judging by Facebook photos, Biff Buzby's is nearing completion, though the owners weren't quite ready to declare an opening date. They did share that the original location's popular car shows would not be revving up at the new space.

Drive-thru coffee shop 7 Brew is also in expansion mode. A press release spilled the beans on an upcoming second San Antonio location at 6202 North I-35 Frontage Rd. The Arkansas-based company opened its first local outlet in July, introducing the Alamo City market to original creations like the Smooth 7, a white chocolate and Irish cream breve. The new location will host soft opening events September 22-29, leading up to the September 30 grand opening.

Other news and notes

While America's craft beer industry is struggling, Alamo Beer Co. is making a bold move. The Eastside brewery is merging with VIVA Beer, according to a release. The move will allow the latter to grow the brand in San Antonio and beyond.

Embracing the de facto return of fall, if not the return of crisp weather, the food scene is preparing for a flurry of events. The Big Red & Barbacoa Festival has announced the dates for its 11th year. Single-day tickets start at $10 and are available online.

Can't wait until October for festival season? The San Antonio Brunch Festival runs from 11am to 3 pm on September 23. More than a dozen local eateries will be participating, offering unlimited bites. Tickets, ranging from $85-$150, are no longer available online but will be available at the door. More details are available here.

The University of Texas San Antonio's popular Ven a Comercelebration returns on September 29. Several activities are planned to support UTSA's renowned Mexican cookbook collection, including a series of dinners at Mixtli, a DIY cookbook workshop, a community pachanga, and a party at Carriqui. As always, the event's showcase will be a fundraising dinner on September 29 featuring local chefs Alexana Cabrera and Sofia Tejeda, mezcalero Pedro Jimenez Gurria, and James Bears Award winner Iliana de la Vega of Austin's El Naranjo.

Ladino is marking its first anniversary with a grill-out party on October 1. The shindig will feature unlimited bites, a live DJ, and games for $40. Cocktails will be available for purchase.

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